When it comes to the world of hip-hop, East Coast rappers can't be overlooked. The East Coast has undeniably been a hotbed of talent and innovation, dating back to the birth of the genre. All along the I-95, East Coast rappers have left a mark on the genre. In this list, we'll count down the 19 best East Coast rappers, each bringing a unique flavor to the table. From boom-bap to trap, these artists have defined eras, crossed boundaries, and inspired countless aspiring MCs.
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The 19 Best East Coast Rappers, Ranked
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By: Mike McLaughlin
Published Jan 2, 2024
19. Fabolous
Top Song: "Breathe"
Album: Real Talk (2004)
Fabolous' smooth flow and clever punchlines have made him a mainstay in East Coast hip-hop. "Breathe" remains a classic track that demonstrates his lyrical prowess.
18. Lil' Kim
Top Song: "Crush on You" (with Lil' Cease)
Album: Hard Core (1996)
When talking about the best rap talent the East Coast has to offer, you can't forget to mention Lil' Kim. This talented rapper was a visionary innovator in the genre, being the first female rapper to take a shock-value approach with her explicit lyrics.
17. Mos Def
Top Song: "Mathematics"
Album: Black on Both Sides (1999)
Mos Def, the Brooklyn-born lyricist, brings a thought-provoking and conscious style to East Coast rap. "Mathematics" is a lyrical masterpiece that delves into societal issues while showcasing Mos Def's exceptional wordplay and flow.
16. MF Doom
Top Song: "Accordion" (with Madvillain)
Album: Madvillainy (2004)
MF Doom, the enigmatic wordsmith, brought a level of creativity and complexity to East Coast rap that was truly unmatched. "Accordion" from his collaboration with Madlib as Madvillain is a masterpiece of underground hip-hop.
15. Jadakiss
Top Song: "Why" (with Anthony Hamilton)
Album: Kiss of Death (2004)
Jadakiss' gritty voice and poignant lyricism have earned him respect as one of the East Coast's finest. "Why" showcases his ability to tackle serious social issues while maintaining a street edge.
14. DMX
Top Song: "Ruff Ryders' Anthem"
Album: It's Dark and Hell Is Hot (1998)
DMX's aggressive flow and raw emotion set him apart from the pack. "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" is an East Coast anthem that still gets crowds hyped.
13. Lauryn Hill
Top Song: "Doo-Wop (That Thing)"
Album: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998)
Lauryn Hill's versatility as a rapper, singer, and songwriter is unparalleled. "Doo-Wop (That Thing)" is a timeless track that showcases her artistry, as does the rest of her album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
12. Rakim
Top Song: "Paid in Full" (with Eric B.)
Album: Paid in Full (1987)
Rakim's contribution to the East Coast rap scene is immeasurable. As one half of Eric B. & Rakim, his pioneering rhymes in "Paid in Full" laid the foundation for countless MCs. Even A$AP Rocky was named after him; this really speaks to his inimitable influence on the culture.
11. Griselda
Members: Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine, Benny the Butcher (and more)
Top Song: "DR. BIRDS"
Album: WWCD (2019)
Griselda, the Buffalo-based crew featuring Conway the Machine, Westside Gunn, Benny the Butcher, and even more noteworthy talent, has been redefining East Coast rap with their gritty, street-oriented sound. "DR BIRDS" showcases their lyrical prowess and authenticity.
10. A Tribe Called Quest
Top Song: "Can I Kick It?"
Album: People's Instinctive Travels and the Patha of Rhythm (1990)
A Tribe Called Quest's jazzy, laid-back style and socially conscious lyrics have left a mark on East Coast rap, to say the least. "Can I Kick It?" is a classic that embodies their cool, laid-back vibe.
9. Busta Rhymes
Top Song: "Gimme Some More"
Album: E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front (1998)
Busta Rhymes' rapid-fire delivery and eccentric style have set him apart as one of the most unique East Coast rappers. "Gimme Some More" is a high-energy banger that showcases his lyrical dexterity.
8. Nas
Top Song: "NY State of Mind"
Album: Illmatic (1994)
Nas' Illmatic is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. "N.Y. State of Mind" is a lyrical masterpiece that defines the essence of East Coast rap.
7. 50 Cent
Top Song: "In Da Club"
Album: Get Rich or Die Tryin'
50 Cent's debut album took the rap world by storm, and "In Da Club" remains an iconic East Coast party anthem that propelled him to superstardom.
6. Mobb Deep
Top Song: "Shook Ones Part II"
Album: The Infamous (1995)
Mobb Deep's raw and gritty storytelling, particularly in "Shook Ones Part II," solidifies their place on our list among the best East Coast rappers.
5. The Diplomats
Members: Cam'ron, Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, Max B, Freekey Zekey (and more)
Top Song: "Dipset Anthem"
Album: Diplomatic Immunity (2003)
The Diplomats, the Harlem-based collective, brought a unique swagger to East Coast rap. "Dipset Anthem" is an anthem that captures their signature style and undeniable chemistry.
4. Wu-Tang Clan
Members: RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Ol' Dirty Bastard
Top Song: "C.R.E.A.M."
Album: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993)
Wu-Tang Clan's collective talent and iconic style made them East Coast legends. "C.R.E.A.M." remains a quintessential track in hip-hop history.
3. The Notorious B.I.G.
Top Song: "Juicy"
Album: Ready to Die (1994)
The Notorious B.I.G. was a lyrical giant, and his storytelling abilities were second to none. "Juicy" is an anthem that represents the East Coast rap scene at its zenith.
2. Jay-Z
Top Song: "Empire State of Mind" (with Alicia Keys)
Album: The Blueprint 3 (2009)
Jay-Z's longevity and influence in East Coast rap are undeniable. "Empire State of Mind" is a modern classic that pays homage to his hometown.
1. Big L
Top Song: "Ebonics"
Album: The Big Picture (2000)
At the top of our list of the best East Coast rappers, we've got Big L. Big L's wordplay and intricate rhymes have earned him a cult following. "Ebonics" is a lyrical tour de force that showcases his brilliance. He even managed to outdo Jay-Z on their collab "7 Minute Freestyle" on Stretch and Bobbito's radio show.
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